Retainer gasket with pressure relief vents

Abstract

A gasket for interposition between a first and an opposing second interface surface of a sealing assembly. The gasket includes a retainer and a generally annular seal element received in a groove formed into at least one side of the retainer. Such retainer side further is formed as having one or more channels extending extend radially through the groove and the inner or outer perimeter of the retainer. Each such channel defines a vent for relieving hydrostatic fluid pressure as the gasket is compressed between the interface surfaces.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A gasket for interposition between a first and a second interface surface having a source of fluid therebetween, one of the interface surfaces being disposable a spaced-apart distance from the other interface surface along a longitudinal axis, and one or both of the interface surfaces being displaceable in an axial direction along said longitudinal axis towards the other interface surface, said gasket comprising: 
       a retainer having opposing first and second radial surfaces, each said first and second radial surfaces extending in a radial direction generally normal to said axial direction intermediate an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter which together define a closed geometry registrable between the first and second interface surfaces, said retainer including a generally annular first mounting groove formed in said first radial surface intermediate said inner and outer perimeter and extending substantially continuously along said closed geometry, said first mounting groove defining a first void volume between the first interface surface and being formed as having an axial first inner sidewall adjacent said inner perimeter and an opposing axial first outer sidewall adjacent said outer perimeter disposed a spaced-apart radial distance from said first inner sidewall, and as having a radial first groove bottom wall extending intermediate said first inner and said first outer sidewall; and  
       a generally annular first seal element received in said first mounting groove to extend therein substantially continuously along the entirety of said closed geometry, said first seal element configured in a free state to be compressible axially intermediate said first groove bottom wall and the first interface surface into an energized state effecting a fluid-tight sealing therewith, said first seal element occupying in said energized state a filled portion of said first void volume, the remainder of said first void volume being an unfilled portion,  
       wherein said retainer further includes one or more first channels formed into said first radial surface to extend radially through a corresponding one of said first inner and said first outer sidewall to define an opening therein, and through the adjacent one of said inner and said outer perimeter, each of said first channels being coupled through a corresponding said opening in fluid communication with said unfilled portion of said first void volume, and defining with the first interface surface a vent for relieving from said unfilled portion of said first void volume a first hydrostatic pressure developed therein from said source as said one or both of the interface surfaces are displaced in said axial direction towards the other interface surface.  
     
     
       2. The gasket of  claim 1  wherein each said first and said second radial surface is generally planar. 
     
     
       3. The gasket of  claim 1  wherein said first radial surface has a radial first outer portion defined between said first outer sidewall and said outer perimeter and a radial first inner portion defined between said first inner sidewall and said inner perimeter, said first outer and said first inner portion being generally coplanar and each providing a bearing surface contactible by the first interface surface delimiting the compression of said first seal element. 
     
     
       4. The gasket of  claim 1  wherein each of said first channels is formed as having a pair of opposing axial end walls spaced-apart angularly about said longitudinal axis and disposed generally normal to said corresponding one of said first inner and said first outer sidewall, and as having a radial channel bottom wall extending intermediate said end walls. 
     
     
       5. The gasket of  claim 4  wherein said channel bottom wall is disposed axially intermediate said first radial surface and said first groove bottom wall. 
     
     
       6. The gasket of  claim 1  wherein said retainer is formed of a metal material. 
     
     
       7. The gasket of  claim 6  wherein said metal material forming said retainer is selected from the group consisting of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, titanium, nickel, and alloys thereof. 
     
     
       8. The gasket of  claim 1  wherein said first seal element is formed of a elastomeric material selected from the group consisting of natural rubbers and synthetic rubbers. 
     
     
       9. The gasket of  claim 1  wherein said first seal element is configured as having one or more bead portions, each of said bead portions being contactible by the first interface surface for the compression of said first seal element and forming in the energized state thereof a radial sealing surface with the first interface surface. 
     
     
       10. The gasket of  claim 1  wherein one of the first and second interface surfaces is located on a generally tubular member having a given inner diametric extent, and wherein said sealing assembly further comprises a generally annular elastomeric locating member supported circumferentially about the outer perimeter of said retainer, said gasket being receivable coaxially within said inner diametric extent of the tubular member and said locating member having an outer diametric extent sized to interferingly engage the inner diametric extent and retain said gasket therein when said gasket is received coaxially in the tubular member. 
     
     
       11. The gasket of  claim 1  wherein said first and said second radial surface define a maximum axial thickness dimension of said retainer therebetween, said dimension being between about {fraction (1/16)}-1 inch (0.15-2.5 cm). 
     
     
       12. The gasket of  claim 1  wherein said retainer further includes: 
       a generally annular second mounting groove formed in said second radial surface intermediate said inner and outer perimeter and extending substantially continuously along said closed geometry, said second mounting groove defining a second void volume between the second interface surface and being formed as having an axial second inner sidewall adjacent said inner perimeter and an opposing axial second outer sidewall adjacent said outer perimeter disposed a spaced-apart radial distance from said second inner sidewall, and as having a radial second groove bottom wall extending intermediate said second inner and said second outer sidewall, said gasket further comprising a generally annular second seal element received in said second mounting groove to extend therein substantially continuously along the entirety of said closed geometry, said second seal element configured in a free state to be compressible axially intermediate said second groove bottom wall and the second interface surface into an energized state effecting a fluid-tight sealing therewith, said second seal element occupying in said energized state a filled portion of said second void volume, the remainder of said second void volume being an unfilled portion; and  
       one or more second channels formed into said second radial surface to extend radially through a corresponding one of said second inner and said second outer sidewall to define an opening therein, and through the adjacent one of said inner and said outer perimeter, each of said second channels being coupled through a corresponding said opening in fluid communication with said unfilled portion of said second void volume, and defining with the second interface surface a vent for relieving from said unfilled portion of said second void volume a second hydrostatic pressure developed therein from said source as said one or both of the interface surfaces are displaced in said axial direction towards the other interface surface.  
     
     
       13. The gasket of  claim 12  wherein said second mounting groove is aligned in axial registration with said first mounting groove. 
     
     
       14. A seal assembly comprising: 
       a first and a second interface surface having a source of fluid therebetween, one said interface surface being disposable a spaced-apart distance from the other said interface surface along a longitudinal axis, and one or both said interface surface being displaceable in an axial direction along said longitudinal axis towards the other said interface surface; and  
       a gasket interposable between said first and said second interface surface, said gasket comprising:  
       a retainer having opposing first and second radial surfaces, each said first and second radial surfaces extending in a radial direction generally normal to said axial direction intermediate an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter which together define a closed geometry registrable between said first and said second interface surface, said retainer including a generally annular first mounting groove formed in said first radial surface intermediate said inner and outer perimeter and extending substantially continuously along said closed geometry, said first mounting groove defining a first void volume between said first interface surface and being formed as having an axial first inner sidewall adjacent said inner perimeter and an opposing axial first outer sidewall adjacent said outer perimeter disposed a spaced-apart radial distance from said first inner sidewall, and as having a radial first groove bottom wall extending intermediate said first inner and said first outer sidewall; and  
       a generally annular first seal element received in said first mounting groove to extend therein substantially continuously along the entirety of said closed geometry, said first seal element configured in a free state to be compressible axially intermediate said first groove bottom wall and said first interface surface into an energized state effecting a fluid-tight sealing therewith, said first seal element occupying in said energized state a filled portion of said first void volume, the remainder of said first void volume being an unfilled portion,  
       wherein said retainer further includes one or more first channels formed into said first radial surface to extend radially through a corresponding one of said first inner and said first outer sidewall to define an opening therein, and through the adjacent one of said inner and said outer perimeter, each of said first channels being coupled through a corresponding said opening in fluid communication with said unfilled portion of said first void volume, and defining with said first interface surface a vent relieving from said unfilled portion of said first void volume a first hydrostatic pressure developed therein from said source as said one or both said interface surface is displaced in said axial direction towards the other said interface surface.  
     
     
       15. The seal assembly of  claim 14  wherein each said first and said second radial surface is generally planar. 
     
     
       16. The seal assembly of  claim 14  wherein said first radial surface has a radial first outer portion defined between said first outer sidewall and said outer perimeter and a radial first inner portion defined between said first inner sidewall and said inner perimeter, said first outer and said first inner portion being generally coplanar and each providing a bearing surface contactible by said first interface surface delimiting the compression of said first seal element. 
     
     
       17. The seal assembly of  claim 14  wherein each of said first channels is formed as having a pair of opposing axial end walls spaced-apart angularly about said longitudinal axis and disposed generally normal to said corresponding one of said first inner and said first outer sidewall, and as having a radial channel bottom wall extending intermediate said end walls. 
     
     
       18. The seal assembly of  claim 17  wherein said channel bottom wall is disposed axially intermediate said first radial surface and said first groove bottom wall. 
     
     
       19. The seal assembly of  claim 14  wherein said retainer is formed of a metal material. 
     
     
       20. The seal assembly of  claim 19  wherein said metal material forming said retainer is selected from the group consisting of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, titanium, nickel, and alloys thereof. 
     
     
       21. The seal assembly of  claim 14  wherein said first seal element is formed of an elastomeric material selected from the group consisting of natural rubbers and synthetic rubbers. 
     
     
       22. The seal assembly of  claim 14  wherein said first seal element is configured as having one or more bead portions, each of said bead portions being contactible by said first interface surface for the compression of said first seal element and forming in the energized state thereof a radial sealing surface with said first interface surface. 
     
     
       23. The seal assembly of  claim 14  wherein one of said first and said second interface surface is located on a generally tubular member having a given inner diametric extent, and wherein said sealing assembly further comprises a generally annular elastomeric locating member supported circumferentially about the outer perimeter of said retainer, said gasket being receivable coaxially within said inner diametric extent of said tubular member, and said locating member having an outer diametric extent sized to interferingly engage said inner diametric extent and retain said gasket therewithin when said gasket is received coaxially in said tubular member. 
     
     
       24. The seal assembly of  claim 14  wherein said first and said second radial surface define a maximum axial thickness dimension of said retainer therebetween, said dimension being between about {fraction (1/16)}-1 inch (0.15-2.5 cm). 
     
     
       25. The seal assembly of  claim 14  wherein said retainer further includes: 
       a generally annular second mounting groove formed in said second radial surface intermediate said inner and outer perimeter and extending substantially continuously along said closed geometry, said second mounting groove defining a second void volume between said second interface surface and being formed as having an axial second inner sidewall adjacent said inner perimeter and an opposing axial second outer sidewall adjacent said outer perimeter disposed a spaced-apart radial distance from said second inner sidewall, and as having a radial second groove bottom wall extending intermediate said second inner and said second outer sidewall, said gasket further comprising a generally annular second seal element received in said second mounting groove to extend therein substantially continuously along the entirety of said closed geometry, said second seal element configured in a free state to be compressible axially intermediate said second groove bottom wall and said second interface surface into an energized state effecting a fluid-tight sealing therewith, said second seal element occupying in said energized state a filled portion of said second void volume, the remainder of said second void volume being an unfilled portion; and  
       one or more second channels formed into said second radial surface to extend radially through a corresponding one of said second inner and said second outer sidewall to define an opening therein, and through the adjacent one of said inner and said outer perimeter, each of said second channels being coupled through a corresponding said opening in fluid communication with said unfilled portion of said second void volume, and defining with said second interface surface a vent relieving from said unfilled portion of said second void volume a second hydrostatic pressure developed therein from said source as said one or both said interface surface is displaced in said axial direction towards the other said interface surface.  
     
     
       26. The seal assembly of  claim 25  wherein said second mounting groove is aligned in axial registration with said first mounting groove. 
     
     
       27. A method of sealing an assembly including a first and a second interface surface having a source of fluid therebetween, one said interface surface being disposed a spaced-apart distance from the other said interface surface along a longitudinal axis, and one or both said interface surface being displaceable in an axial direction along said longitudinal axis towards the other said interface surface; and said method comprising the steps of: 
       (a) providing a gasket interposed between said first and said second interface surface, said gasket comprising:  
       a retainer having opposing first and second radial surfaces, each said first and second radial surfaces extending in a radial direction generally normal to said axial direction intermediate an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter which together define a closed geometry registrable between said first and said second interface surface, said retainer including a generally annular first mounting groove formed in said first radial surface intermediate said inner and outer perimeter and extending substantially continuously along said closed geometry, said first mounting groove defining a first void volume between said first interface surface and being formed as having an axial first inner sidewall adjacent said inner perimeter and an opposing axial first outer sidewall adjacent said outer perimeter disposed a spaced-apart radial distance from said first inner sidewall, and as having a radial first groove bottom wall extending intermediate said first inner and said first outer sidewall; and  
       a generally annular first seal element received in said first mounting groove to extend therein substantially continuously along the entirety of said closed geometry, said first seal element configured in a free state to be compressible axially intermediate said first groove bottom wall and said first interface surface into an energized state effecting a fluid-tight sealing therewith, said first seal element occupying in said energized state a filled portion of said first void volume, the remainder of said first void volume being an unfilled portion,  
       wherein said retainer further includes one or more first channels formed into said first radial surface to extend radially through a corresponding one of said first inner and said first outer sidewall to define an opening therein, and through the adjacent one of said inner and said outer perimeter, each of said first channels being coupled through a corresponding said opening in fluid communication with said unfilled portion of said first void volume, and defining with said first interface surface a vent relieving from said unfilled portion of said first void volume a first hydrostatic pressure developed therein from said source as said one or both said interface surface is displaced in said axial direction towards the other said interface surface,  
       (b) displacing said one or both said interface surface in said axial direction;  
       (c) compressing said first seal element axially intermediate said first groove bottom wall and said first interface surface into said energized state; and  
       (d) venting through said first channels said first hydrostatic pressure developed in said unfilled portion of said first void volume.  
     
     
       28. The method of  claim 27  wherein each said first and said second radial surface is generally planar. 
     
     
       29. The method of  claim 27  wherein said first radial surface has a radial first outer portion defined between said first outer sidewall and said outer perimeter and a radial first inner portion defined between said first inner sidewall and said inner perimeter, said first outer and said first inner portion being generally coplanar and each providing a bearing surface contacted in step (c) by said first interface surface delimiting the compression of said first seal element. 
     
     
       30. The method of  claim 27  wherein each of said first channels is formed as having a pair of opposing axial end walls spaced-apart angularly about said longitudinal axis and disposed generally normal to said corresponding one of said first inner and said first outer sidewall, and as having a radial channel bottom wall extending intermediate said end walls. 
     
     
       31. The method of  claim 30  wherein said channel bottom wall is disposed axially intermediate said first radial surface and said first groove bottom wall. 
     
     
       32. The method of  claim 27  wherein said retainer is formed of a metal material. 
     
     
       33. The method of  claim 32  wherein said metal material forming said retainer is selected from the group consisting of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, titanium, nickel, and alloys thereof. 
     
     
       34. The method of  claim 27  wherein said first seal element is formed of an elastomeric material selected from the group consisting of natural rubbers and synthetic rubbers. 
     
     
       35. The method of  claim 27  wherein said first seal element is configured as having one or more bead portions, each of said bead portions being contacted in step (c) by said first interface surface effecting the compression of said first seal element and forming in the energized state thereof a radial sealing surface with said first interface surface. 
     
     
       36. The method of  claim 27  wherein one of said first and said second interface surface is located on a generally tubular member having a given inner diametric extent, and wherein said sealing assembly further comprises a generally annular elastomeric locating member supported circumferentially about the outer perimeter of said retainer, said gasket being received coaxially within said inner diametric extent of said tubular member prior to step (a), and said locating member having an outer diametric extent which interferingly engages said inner diametric extent and retains said gasket therewithin. 
     
     
       37. The method of  claim 27  wherein said first and said second radial surface define a maximum axial thickness dimension of said retainer therebetween, said dimension being between about {fraction (1/16)}-1 inch (0.15-2.5 cm). 
     
     
       38. The method of  claim 27  wherein 
       said retainer further includes:  
       a generally annular second mounting groove formed in said second radial surface intermediate said inner and outer perimeter and extending substantially continuously along said closed geometry, said second mounting groove defining a second void volume between said second interface surface and being formed as having an axial second inner sidewall adjacent said inner perimeter and an opposing axial second outer sidewall adjacent said outer perimeter disposed a spaced-apart radial distance from said second inner sidewall, and as having a radial second groove bottom wall extending intermediate said second inner and said second outer sidewall, said gasket further comprising a generally annular second seal element received in said second mounting groove to extend therein substantially continuously along the entirety of said closed geometry, said second seal element configured in a free state to be compressible axially intermediate said second groove bottom wall and said second interface surface into an energized state effecting a fluid-tight sealing therewith, said second seal element occupying in said energized state a filled portion of said second void volume, the remainder of said second void volume being an unfilled portion; and  
       one or more second channels formed into said second radial surface to extend radially through a corresponding one of said second inner and said second outer sidewall to define an opening therein, and through the adjacent one of said inner and said outer perimeter, each of said second channels being coupled through a corresponding said opening in fluid communication with said unfilled portion of said second void volume, and defining with said second interface surface a vent relieving from said unfilled portion of said second void volume a second hydrostatic pressure developed therein from said source as said one or both said interface surface is displaced in said axial direction towards the other said interface surface;  
       said second seal element is compressed in step (c) axially intermediate said second groove bottom wall and said second interface surface into said energized state; and  
       said second hydrostatic pressure developed in said unfilled portion of said second void volume is vented in step (d) through said second channels.  
     
     
       39. The method of  claim 38  wherein said second mounting groove is aligned in axial registration with said first mounting groove.